The Steelers officially rounded out their 2026 practice squad on Wednesday, bringing safety Bishop Fitzgerald into the fold and filling all 17 available spots. This move solidifies Pittsburgh’s depth chart as the regular season gets underway, adding some fresh talent, including Fitzgerald, to the mix. It’s a big step to get that full squad locked down, especially with all the ups and downs leading into September.
The New Faces Joining the Black and Gold
Fitzgerald, an undrafted free agent from 2026 who spent his summer with the Tennessee Titans, joins Pittsburgh after a standout collegiate career. His best season came in 2025 at USC, where he absolutely balled out with five interceptions and 51 total tackles. That’s serious production, isn’t it? The 5’11, 201-pound safety showed off his speed at the NFL Combine, clocking a 4.55-second 40-yard dash. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein described him pre-draft as a “compact, ballhawking safety prospect with alignment versatility,” though he noted Fitzgerald is much better defending the pass than diagnosing the run. Sounds like a guy who could make some noise.
Fitzgerald isn’t the only fresh face. Cornerback Car’lin Vigers, an undrafted player from 2025 out of UL Monroe, also joins after spending last season on the Washington Commanders’ practice squad. In his final college year in 2024, Vigers snagged one interception and logged 38 total tackles, showing off an 8.00 RAS with a reported 4.52-second 40-yard dash. Then there’s outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson, perhaps the most intriguing addition. Swinson was a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2025, even appearing in three games for them last season and recording one tackle. Back in 2024 at LSU, he racked up an incredible 8.5 sacks and 59 total tackles. Zierlein described Swinson as a “late bloomer with big hands, long arms and a frame to carry more muscle” who’s “competitive at the point of attack.” While Zierlein pointed out Swinson still needs to refine rushing strategies and quickness, he definitely has “the upside to be a starting outside linebacker in a 3-4.” That’s high praise for a practice squad guy! The squad also includes outside linebacker Julius Welschof, filling the International Player Pathway Program exemption slot.
A Roster Twist Nobody Saw Coming
While the practice squad is now full with players like Kyler Baugh, Travis Homer, Max Hurleman, Brandon Johnson, Steven Jones, Lake McRee, Doug Nester, Lew Nichols, Esezi Otomewo, Doneiko Slaughter, Brandon Smith, and Jacoby Windmon, there’s a wild card here. The Steelers’ initial practice squad surprisingly does not include Juanyeh Thomas. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had reported a planned deal for the former Cowboys safety on Monday, and Thomas even fanned the flames himself with a string of Steelers-related posts on X. So, for now, that reported signing? It’s a ghost. What happened there? It certainly throws a wrench into what many thought was a done deal, leaving fans scratching their heads.
With the 17 practice squad spots officially filled, the Steelers now have their emergency depth squared away for the early goings of the 2026 season. It’ll be fascinating to watch if these new additions, especially those with high upside like Swinson and a ballhawk like Fitzgerald, can develop and potentially contribute to the main roster down the line. Keep an eye on that practice squad, folks, because you never know who’s going to step up when their number is called!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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